Carlton’s iconic pizza joint La Porchetta announces closure
An iconic Melbourne restaurant will shut its doors on Sunday after 40 years of trading, leaving behind a substantial legacy.
Iconic Melbourne restaurant La Porchetta will shut its doors on Sunday after serving up four decades of quality pizza to Melburnians.
The Italian restaurant in Carlton has been hotspot in the area for over 40 years and has expanded into a popular chain around Australia and overseas.
The owners revealed February 11th would be the final day of trading for the renowned cheap pizza spot on Rathdowne street.
La Porchetta was taken over by Rocco “Rocky” Pantaleo and Felice Nania in 1985 and eventually spread itself out across dozens of franchised outlets across Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
The restaurant, a favourite among students in the area, is decorated with handpainted signage, Italian memorabilia and photographs of family, customers, and celebrities.
“We would like to inform you all that the original family will be moving on and closing the doors,” the owners said in the post.
“Rocky and his family have been serving delicious and affordable Italian pizza and pasta dishes with all their love and passion since the early 1980s.
“Their dedication created an institution in the hospitality sector and a standard for Italian restaurant franchising in Australia.
“However, it’s time for the family to move on to new beginnings and pursue new ventures.”
Over the years, food critics have applauded La Porchetta’s role in representing a specific style of Italian Australian cuisine and culture, despite sometimes being overlooked by food enthusiasts.
The decision to close may reflect changing demographics in Carlton, with an increase in high-quality dining options and a shift in the local population towards young professionals.